CPU
GPU
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Core i5-13500
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) | ✅ More affordable ($264) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+395%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,300) | ✅ More affordable ($264) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX and Core i5-13500
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,954 points. Launch price was $1,299.
Core i5-13500
The Core i5-13500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,109 points. Launch price was $242.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Core i5-13500 offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-13500 — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-13500 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Core i5-13500 uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX scores 30,954 against the Core i5-13500's 31,109 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-13500. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 29,045 vs 20,924 (32.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,240 vs 2,419, a 64.4% lead for the Core i5-13500 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,241 vs 12,160 (50.7% advantage for the Core i5-13500). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13500.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+71% | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.8 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+20% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+167% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 12 nm | Intel 7 nm-42% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 30,954 | 31,109 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 29,045+39% | 20,924 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,240 | 2,419+95% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,241 | 12,160+68% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-13500 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13500 — the Core i5-13500 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 165.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 2 (Core i5-13500). PCIe lanes: 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs 20 (Core i5-13500) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) and Z790,B760,Z690,B660 (Core i5-13500).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+967% | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+220% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13500). The Core i5-13500 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation, Core i5-13500 targets High-end Productivity / Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X; Core i5-13500 rivals Ryzen 7 7700.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation | High-end Productivity / Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX launched at $1299 MSRP, while the Core i5-13500 debuted at $242. At current prices ($1300 vs $264), the Core i5-13500 is $1036 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX delivers 23.8 pts/$ vs 117.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-13500 — making the Core i5-13500 the 132.8% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1299 | $242-81% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1300 | $264-80% |
| Performance per Dollar | 23.8 | 117.8+395% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2023 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX and Core i5-13500
